As the bank holiday on Monday, May 4 approaches, the UK is bracing for heavy traffic and travel disruptions. The RAC anticipates the busiest early May bank holiday weekend in a decade, with an estimated 19 million leisure trips by car. Consumer expert Holly Hamilton joined BBC's Morning Live on May 1 to offer advice on how to keep journeys enjoyable despite the congestion.
Mental Preparation: Accept the Inevitable
Hamilton urged drivers to start with a mental shift. "The advice really is to be prepared. A little bit of forward planning goes a long way with these busy roads… If you are heading out in the car just kind of accept your fate a little bit, it's going to be busy," she said. Accepting the traffic can reduce stress and help you focus on what you can control.
Pack Snacks and a Good Playlist
To improve the atmosphere inside the car, Hamilton recommended packing plenty of snacks and curating a good playlist. "That's absolutely key. Then you're happy enough," she added. Her personal playlist features an unexpected choice: the soundtrack from the movie Cars. "We're obsessed at the minute with Cars the movie in this house. It's the perfect song," she shared, challenging viewers to create better playlists for the M5.
Vehicle Checks: Avoid Breakdowns
Before setting off, Hamilton emphasized checking the basics: oil, coolant, and tyre tread. Proper tyre inflation can also improve fuel efficiency, saving money during the trip. "The bottom line is, you do not want to be broken down on the side of the road whenever you're supposed to be somewhere a little bit more special than that," she warned.
Plan for Delays
For those not traveling far, Hamilton advised allowing extra time as roads will be busier. "It's just worth bearing in mind that the roads will be that little bit busier. So, do leave yourself plenty of time," she said. Trains may also be crowded, with Network Rail reporting most services running as usual, but Liverpool Lime Street will be closed from Sunday until noon on Monday due to engineering works.
Despite rising fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict, the RAC expects millions to hit the roads. Hamilton's tips aim to help drivers stay safe, comfortable, and patient during the busy weekend.
